Aston Villa 4-1 Newcastle

Owen back in the groove but King Kev's revolution awaits

Newcastle, despite going ahead through a fourth minute Michael Owen goal were soundly beaten at Villa Park yesterday, with John Carew getting his first Villa hat-trick. Aston Villa vs Newcastle is always as entertaining game, though not often as one sided as this game was.

As the Premier League has continued with its usual hyperbole, and Keegan has been heralded back to Tyneside as the Messiah, Martin O'Neill has been quietly working his magic at Villa Park. From a steady start to the season, Aston Villa are now comfortably ensconced in the race for fourth place and who would bet against them getting it?

Admittedly a lot of Villa's chances came from farcical Newcastle defending, however almost from the moment they conceded a goal in the fourth minute, they were in the ascendency over a Newcastle team showing prescious little of Keegan's revolutionary magic.

John Carew will be in the headlines for his hat-trick, but the equaliser early in the second half came from Wilfred Bouma, who had not scored for two and a half seasons! Carews hat-trick was wrapped up two minutes from time as he lashed a penalty past Given to claim the match ball.

Footy Focus thinks King Kev can't wait for the season to end and get busy in the transfer market!

Dirk Kuyt to Newcastle?

King Kev sets his sights on Dirk Kuyt in the summer

Reports are being bandied around of Kevin Keegan setting his sights on tempting Dirk Kuyt to join his revolution at Newcastle, with a 5 million pound fee being mooted. Its being speculated Liverpool will see this as a decent return on the 9 million they paid, given that the player has struggled to make an impression.

Footy Focus thinks Kuyt is a decent player, but completely lacks pace. He could get away with it playing in the hole, if he is surrounded by other players with pace, but at Liverpool he's not. When it comes to it, the yard-stick for Liverpool and others is whether he would get in the Arsenal, Manchester United or Chelsea teams, and the answer to that is clearly no.

Keegan happy with Wise appointment

Wise reports to me says Keegan but doubts persist

Kevin Keegan has stated Newcastle's imminent new Executive Director of Football, Dennis Wise, will be reporting to him in the new structure at the club. However sources at Newcastle suggest Wise will be liasing more closely with the board, than with Keegan.

Another new member of Newcastles back-room staff, is former Newcastle striker Joe Allon, who worked in a similar role to Terry McDermott at Leeds. It's thought this will not affect McDermotts role at Newcastle.

Funny email doing the rounds, with the senders claiming this photo is of Kevin Keegan greeting Dennis Wise on his arrival at St James Park!

Newcastle chase Espanyol's Jarque

Keegan to hit the ground running with a bid for Daniel Jarque

Kevin Keegan is hoping to make a swift move in the transfer market, on his return to Newcastle with a bid for Daniel Jarque of Espanyol. The Espanyol defender has been the subject of speculation that Tottenham Hotspur boss Juande Ramos would make a move. However Keegan, is set to mark his return to Newcastle United with an 8 milllion pound bid for the Espanyol defender.

Newcastle give Keegan blank cheque

Newcastle tell Keegan skys the limit in his return to the Toon

Kevin Keegan has been promised substantial funds to drag Newcastle to the Premier League summit by the chairman Chris Mort and club owner Mike Ashley. As the city, lifted by the news of Keegan's appointment, waited for the next news in the rolling saga of Keegans return, negotiations went on over the terms of his 3 and a half year deal.

Much speculation centred on the names of his backroom staff. Terry McDermott is expected to stay on, as is Peter Beardsley who maybe promoted from his present junior post. Other names in the frame include Lee Clark, presently assistant to Glenn Roeder at Norwich, Chris Coleman, whose associated insist his resignation from Real Sociedad is not connected to Keegan's return, and of course Alan Shearer.

Shearer lobbied for the Newcastle position, but was never really in with a chance due to his inexperience is known to be willing to work for Keegan. Mort and Ashley have made it known to Keegan, the decision on his backroom staff rests entirely with him, and they will not interfere.

We at Footy Focus, initially thought this was a crazy decision, but having thought about it, it might just work. Keegans sheer charisma, enthusiasm and Newcastles tremendous support, might just combine to make it a roller coaster ride back to the big-time for the Toon army!

Newcastle bring back Keegan

Tyneside erupts as Newcastle bring back Keegan

In astonishing events on Tyneside last night, Newcastle announced Kevin Keegan was to return to St James Park as manager.

Terry McDermott, Keegan’s assistant during his first spell at the club, is still at Newcastle and is likely to be kept on. Other names in the hat for coaching roles are Peter Beardsley and Rob Lee. Alan Shearer is predictably also being named in dispatches.

Chris Waddle, the ex-Newcastle winger, greeted the news positively, however expressed doubt about Keegans tactical ability. Around Newcastle the effect was instant, with fans queueing around St James’ Park to get the last tickets for the FA Cup replay against Stoke City tonight. The match is now sold out.

Footy Focus gut feel on this move - it'll end in tears yet again!